The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-11
Notable Events in Beecher's Life.

Recollections of Thomas c. Shearman.
1.-THE fugitiveslave law was passed in Septem-
Der, 1850. and that again aroused Mr.. Beecher
intensely, and led to his preaching numerous
sermons. mostly in the evening, extracts from
which were republished all over the country.
His church stood by him in all this in the main
very heartily, although there were always quite
a number of members personally attached to
Mr.. Beecher who did not agree with him on the
slavery question.
''When Mrs. Stoves Uncle Toms Cabin was
published in 1852. Henry Ward Beecher had
become we'll known that thousands of people
were foolish enough to believe that he had writ
ten the book for her. whereas, in England, Mrs.
Stoves name became 80 much more famous
than his that for many years the English papers,
whenever they spoke of him at ali, were accus-
toned to mention him as Mr. Beccher Stowe.
SIN 1856 the slavery excitement had assumed
that intensity which so surely pointed to the
arbitrament of arms as its only solution. It
was at this time that the famous Sharps rifle
scene occurred. Congress had left the people of
Kansas to fight out the slavery question
among themselves. The Missourians were
naturally first on the ground. and carried
slaves with them, but number of colonies
were organized
West, which, of course, were strongly opposed
to slavery. The Missouri emigrants regarded
the Northern emigrants as intruders, and, being
accustomed to the use OF arms, proceeded to
drive them out The Northern settlers then ap-
pealed to their friends to send them arms for
self-defense and, colony being organized in
Connecticut. public meeting was held in New
Haven to raise subscriptions for the avowed pur-
pose OF providing the coonists with rifles Mr..
Beecher was there, and made a very stirring
speech, insisting on the right of the Northern
men to stand up in self-defense. Subscriptions
being called for, the senior class of Yale College
announced that they would subscribe $50 for one
rifle. Henry Killam, carriage manufacturer.
gave his name as a subscriber for one rifle,
| and it was then that Mr. Beecher said:
| 'Klllam-thats q significant name! a remark
which, of course, brought out great laughter and
applause, aud which was the origin of MANY
fierce attacks on Mr.. Beecher for wears after.
| OF course, he always opposed any use Of arms
| except in strict sef-defsnse. and that was per-
| fectly we'll understood. not only by his church,
/ but by all sensible men.
| Of South Carolina. made his assault on Senator
! Sumner in the Senate chamber, which excited
! of course. intense indignation throughout the
| North. A meeting was held in the Broadway
| Tabernacle in New York. to denounce that out
rage, and as it was managed by highly conserva
| tive men, Mr. Beecher was, OF course not asked
| to speak. Yet he was present as listener and
had no intention of interfering, but the audience
| clamor0Q Tor nlm ana shouted Until tney were
| hoarse So finally the chairman of the meeting
invited Mr.. Beecher to speak. He made q speech
| which quite eclipsed all the others Of the even
| ing, and aroused the people to the utmost pitcl
of enthusiasm 1t made SO deep an impression
| that when Fremont nominated, shortly
afterwards. the Republican managers insisted
on having Mr.. Beecher make general canvas
| through some of the Northern States Wher
ever he spoke he was received with the utmos
| enthusiasm.
Immediately after the election Dir. Beeche
| returned to the work of his church. Many PEG
pie predicted that SO much politics would de
| stroy all religion in the church, but on the con
trary, Plymouth had season of greater religion
interest than ever before, and received the lar
gest number of members in its history. Thi
experience was repeated on still larger seal
in the spring of 1858, when over four hundre
members joined tho church, after series Q
morning meetings which have never had thei
equal in interest and variety at any time.
"Mr. Beecher was again called on in 1860 t
| take part in the canvass. He did not do 80, how
ever. tc quits the same extent as ia 1856. Hi
church by this time had taken an important a.